Chapitre 74: [74] Cleaning
While Asagi and the others were lost in grief over Kousuke's condition, elsewhere in the ruins, Fumma Kotaro stood before an elderly bald man—the Head of the DCST (Department of Countering Supernatural Threats). Sweat trickled down the old man's gleaming head, signaling the tension of the situation.
"So, you're telling me a war just happened here?" the department head asked, his voice quivering with disbelief despite his effort to maintain an authoritative tone.
Kotaro, with his usual sleepy expression, nodded slowly. Though his face rarely showed any excess emotion, his heterochromatic eyes radiated sharp intelligence and focus. Known not only as a strategist in the Fumma clan but also as a master of espionage, Kotaro was someone who could quickly and accurately analyze any situation.
"Yes, based on my quick analysis, it was indeed a war. From the number of bodies we found—Nomad members and a large number of demon worms in Yomihara—my estimate is that the total number of casualties is around 1,200. This is clearly more than just a regular skirmish," Kotaro said, casually twirling a small kunai in his hand, a habit of his while deep in thought.
The department head furrowed his brow. That number was far too large, even for a battle involving the notorious Nomad group. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice fading as fear began to creep in.
Kotaro looked at him calmly. "Judging by the scale of the destruction, yes, I'm sure. This wasn't just a regular clash between groups. Something much larger is at play, and we were too late to notice."
The department head wiped the sweat off his forehead, struggling to process the information. If Kotaro was right, Yomihara might have just been the battlefield for forces far beyond their comprehension.
"Do you know who's involved?" the department head asked, his voice sharpening, trying to regain control of the situation, though it was clear he had lost his grip.
Kotaro narrowed his eyes, his gaze vacant for a moment, as if weighing his response. "I have a suspicion... but it's too early to say for sure." He paused for a moment before adding, "What's certain is that this wasn't the work of just one side. There are multiple forces at play here—and one of them might be connected to Edwin Black."
"Edwin Black?" The DCST head was taken aback. "Has he shown himself?"
"Yeah, according to my scouts, there were rumors in Yomihara that a Chaos Arena had reopened after Asagi destroyed that illegal operation five years ago," Kotaro replied casually.
"I see. If Edwin Black is involved, this is clearly a war. But the question remains, who was he fighting? Why are there only bodies of Nomad members, demons, and demon worms here?" The department head pondered deeply.
"Interesting, isn't it?" Kotaro responded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "There are no signs of another force, no evidence of a third party directly involved in this battlefield. But I suspect... the mysterious force was highly trained. They came, accomplished what they needed to, and vanished without a trace."
The department head furrowed his brow, trying to digest the information Kotaro had provided. "So you think there's a hidden force challenging Edwin Black, but they're so skilled that they leave nothing behind except the bodies of their enemies?"
Kotaro nodded slowly, his gaze sharp. "Exactly. And if they're that powerful, this could mean serious trouble for all of us. People who can disappear like shadows, strike without sound, and bring about destruction... This isn't your average threat. There's something much deeper happening here."
"And who do you think they are?" The department head stared at Kotaro, as if hoping the Fumma strategist had all the answers.
Kotaro remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low tone, "I can't be certain, but I have a hunch this involves more than just an underground group operating off our radar. They could be part of something larger—something even Edwin Black might see as a threat. But I need more information before drawing any conclusions."
The department head looked even more unsettled. "If you're right, we might be facing a threat far greater than we imagined. We need to prepare."
"Exactly. And quickly," Kotaro agreed, his eyes narrowing again, his gaze distant as if searching for answers in the fog of mystery. "We should listen to Asagi's account of the situation because she was present when the war broke out." Kotaro glanced over at Asagi, who was stumbling with the help of her companions.
The department head also glanced in the same direction, letting out a long sigh. "Right, for now, let's give her some time."
---
In one of the empty temples in Tokyo, an area spanning 300 meters had been designated for this location, though it appeared rather deserted. Kaoru was using the place as an interrogation site for Kaliya and Ingrid.
The two were bound in a small shack near the temple, sitting on creaky wooden chairs that groaned with every movement, held in place by strong magical bindings to suppress their powers. The atmosphere was tense, the silence broken only by the sound of the wind blowing through.
Kaoru, with a firm and no-nonsense demeanor, splashed cold water over the two of them. Kaliya and Ingrid woke up, shocked and confused. Seeing Kaoru wearing a mask, they yelled in threatening tones.
"You! Who are you?" Kaliya struggled to break free, while Ingrid glared, still in disbelief about what was happening.
"Calm down, there's no need to shout," Kaoru said coldly, his voice muffled behind the mask. "You're here to give me information, and if you don't, I won't hesitate to use more... persuasive methods."
Ingrid sneered. "We won't tell you anything! You don't have the power to scare us!"
Kaoru looked at them with sharp eyes, clearly visible through the slits of his mask. "Power? You don't realize that power isn't the only way to make someone talk, do you?" Kaoru's eyes narrowed confidently.
"You!..." Kaliya screamed, feeling the tension in the air thickening, while Ingrid seemed unfazed by the threat. The hell knight training ingrained in her kept her calm in the face of difficult situations.
"What are you going to do?" Ingrid asked coldly, recognizing that Hatoru, the ninja who had challenged Edwin Black, now stood before her. The strength and bravery Kaoru displayed were impressive, even for her as Edwin's right hand.
However, Ingrid couldn't help the sinister thought that crossed her mind. She assumed that Hatoru would use sexual interrogation tactics, given how men often sought after her body. "So, is this your plan? To use disgusting tactics to make me talk?" she thought cynically.
Kaoru, sensing their uncertainty, did not react to Ingrid's assumption. "I have other methods," he said, stepping closer with calm strides. "And they won't involve anything like that. I want information, and I'll get what I need."
Hearing this, Kaliya and Ingrid exchanged glances, anxious but still trying to appear brave. "We won't tell you anything, even if you use every method you've got," Kaliya challenged, trying to project courage though she felt fear inside.
Kaoru smiled faintly. "Good. That means we can start with something more... enjoyable."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone